Bell City contends for state track title

Last year Southwest Louisiana took home a pair of state championships at the state high school track and field championships
for Classes B and C, and will have a host of challengers to get on the podium this year.

The Bell City girls won the Class B, Region III meet last week and figures to be one of a number of challengers to the title.

New Bruins head coach T.J. Hoffpauir said he has not been crunching numbers to determine his teams’ chances.

“We are just going to do what we can do,” he said. “If they complete to the best of their ability, their is no doubt that
there is a possibility that we can achieve (repeating as champions). The kids work hard.”

The Bruins had everyone they expected to qualify come through at the regional meet.

“No one came up short, there were no
surprises,” Hoffpauir said. “It is going to be tough, there are a lot of
good teams up
north that are good in same events as us. It is going to come down
to one or two events. It is going to be close, a good meet.
Simsboro was good last, Anacoco is good, them and Fairview are
always good.”

The Bell City boys are hoping for a top-three finish as well.

“We are strong in the field and our 2-miler, Tylair Poole, surprised me and won last week,” said head coach Jason Leonards.
“If everything falls the way we hope, we could get a top-three finish.

“Anacoco looks real good, Madison Prep strong in the sprints, as is Centerville. We are going to have to really do well and
compete at a high level.”

In Class C, Cameron Parish schools are projected to contend. The Hackberry boys have 10 entries as they attempt to defend
their crown, while neighbor Johnson Bayou has 23 entries.